In this consultation exercise we address the problems associated with the admissibility and understanding of expert evidence in criminal proceedings.

We conclude that the current approach to scientific, or purportedly scientific, evidence tendered for admission in Crown Court jury trials is in need of reform.

These proposals are an extract from our full consultation paper, which sets out in more detail the current law, the key issues and problems with the law and the various other proposal options which we considered.

We have set out our proposals for reform. This interactive forum enables you to comment directly on our proposals. It also provides a means for consultees to engage in a more general way regarding the proposals and issues raised in the consultation paper in the discussion forum.

‘Register’ to have your say to begin the consultation for the first time now.

Any comments made on the site are subject to the moderation policy.

If you wish, you can still respond to the consultation paper more formally in the usual way by logging on to the project page on the Law Commission website.

If you would rather submit a response by post you can download the entire consultation document from our website, which also contains details of where to send your written response, together with further additional points about the consultation.

Other Ways to Let Us Know Your Views

You may also respond to this consultation by letter, fax or email to:

Email: expert.evidence@lawcommission.gsi.gov.uk

Fax: 020 3334 0201

Additional points about this consultation

After the consultation has closed, all responses (including respondents’ names) will be published unless respondents specifically request that their response be kept confidential.  This will apply to all responses whether submitted online, posted, faxed or emailed.  Please indicate on your response if you want us to treat it as confidential.  You should also read the section on confidentiality and data protection.

Help with Queries

Questions about the policy issues raised in the document can be addressed to:

If you have comments or complaints about the way this consultation has been conducted, these should be sent to: